Speaking to the Nordic Youth Council in Stockholm today, the Nordic Council of Ministers´ Secretary General, Per Unckel, pointed out the vulnerability of the Nordic countries.

''We are small countries with a small language area and a cold climate,'' said Unckel and emphasised the importance of Nordic co-operation to compensate for these shortcomings. He mentioned three areas which are given priority in Nordic co-operation: Obstacles to freedom of movement between the Nordic countries must be removed; we must join forces in research and innovation; and we must extend the Nordic-Baltic co-operation.

During question time the Secretary General was asked about the attempts to develop a joint Nordic approach to alcohol taxes. Per Unckel looked positively on the Nordic Ministers of Social Affairs desire to strengthen alcohol co-operation but thought that the Nordic countries must face up to the new situation.

''Alcohol taxes can never again be as high and import regulations never be as low as they once were in the Nordic countries,'' said Unckel who thought that the individual countries would need to make their own political decisions on this issue.